Facebook Graphic Video Warning (Photo : www.bbc.com)
Facebook will now place warnings on video clips and images that are potentially violent and upsetting to the viewer.
According to BBC News, the alert will stop videos from automatically playing in a user's news feed, except if the user chooses to click it.
The social media network giant will also restrict unsafe videos and images from appearing to any Facebook user under 18 years old.
The move comes after Facebook was pressured by its own safety advisory board, Biztekmojo reported.
A video of French policeman Ahmed Merabet getting shot during the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris was the first of the many videos to be plastered with Facebook's warning, which indicates that the content may "shock, offend and upset" if chosen to be viewed.
Facebook has been the center of several criticisms regarding its loose policy on content that are considered graphic and inappropriate.
In August 2014, controversy sparked as graphic images of decapitated heads placed on top of spikes in Syria went viral on Facebook. The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) demanded that the social network improve its practices regarding the issue.
Just before 2014 ended, Facebook started placing warnings on irresponsible content, a spokeswoman from the social network told BBC. She added that people should give a warning if they choose to post or share content that includes "graphic violence."
The Facebook spokeswoman also said that engineers are working on improvements for the scheme as YouTube videos are currently not covered by the social network's warning system.
Facebook's move was well received by several charity groups in the firm's safety advisory panel, including FOSI and London-based Childnet International. The former's CEO Stephen Balkam said that he was "delighted," while the latter's CEO regarded the move as a "good step."
